City may explore ‘round-up’ for the arts

Sturgis residents may be given the option of rounding up future utility bills to benefit local arts.

By Terry Katzkatz@sturgisjournal.com

Sturgis residents may be given the option of rounding up future utility bills if a new program is approved in 2013.

Money raised from rounding up to the nearest dollar would benefit local arts and culture organizations.

City commissioners on Wednesday voted to consider the possibility of offering an optional program, in which up to 99 cents of a resident’s monthly utility bill could benefit Sturgis Civic Players, Sturgis Wind Symphony and Open Door Gallery.

City officials estimate the fund could generate between $4,000 and $10,000.

Some commissioners expressed reservations about the proposal.

“My concern is about all the organizations that came to us for money and we denied their requests,” said commissioner Ina Taulbee. “I don’t agree that only a select few should be involved.”

In 2011, the City Commission was presented with a proposal by area arts and culture organizations to institute a “round-up” program in the utilities department. Under the proposed program, funds collected would be distributed to arts organizations operating in the community.

Commissioners had discussed the issue in March and April 2011 and reviewed information from staff regarding the cost of instituting a program.

A number of options outside of the original proposal were discussed at that time, but no commission action was taken on a round-up program.

Commissioner Karen Stephens asked how much time and energy would be spent by city staff for the current proposal.

City manager Michael Hughes said it would be minimal and mostly handled by the Sturgis Area Community Foundation.

“I used to be against this program, but now I can see some value in it,” said Mayor Kenneth Malone. “Once we have the program, we can use it in different ways.”

Commissioners agreed that a good way to use the program might be to align it with the “Sturgis 2022” goals for 2013.

Hughes said city staff will now proceed on initial development of the program. Final approval of program details and associated costs would be presented for approval at a future city commission meeting.